Ready to Form an LLC in Arizona?

STEP 1) VERIFY & SECURE YOUR LLC BRAND NAME

First thing’s first, you need to choose and register a name with the state that isn’t already taken, too similar to another business, or that contains restricted words. Conduct a Business Entity Search through the state and if there are potential trademark issues do the same using the TESS System through the U.S. Patent Office.

Also, your business name should contain ‘Limited Liability Company’ or alternatively, any of these acronyms: ‘L.L.C’, ‘LLC’, ‘L.C.’ or ‘LC’. If needed, you can file an Application for Reservation of LLC Company Name form for $10/$30. Be sure to read the instructions linked in the form!

STEP 2) ELECT AN ARIZONA REGISTERED AGENT

What is a Registered Agent? This is an Arizona resident, or recognized Arizona company that accepts/receives and forwards official documents on your behalf (state filings, tax documents, legal notices, etc.). They’re like an official intermediary you need to legally conduct business.

To get one you have essentially three choices: hire an outside third-party service and expect to pay up to $160/year, elect someone within your company, or get a certified/qualified Alabama Registered Agent free of charge when you Incorporate with IncFile.

STEP 3) FILE ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

To officially register an LLC in Arizona, you need to file Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Download the Arizona Articles of Organization form, then read every word and understand what it’s asking (especially if you don’t have a lawyer and aren’t working with a professional filing service). This is a declarative document of the basic details of your LLC for the public record so don’t file this until you know you’re ready.

Filing Fee: $50

STEP 4) GET AN EIN

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is your LLC’s unique identifier as a legally operating business in the state. You’ll need it to process taxes, to set up official business bank accounts, to legally hire employees, etc.

Thankfully it’s easy to obtain an EIN through online application. Head on over to the IRS website, go through the steps and get yours free of charge.

STEP 5) OPEN A BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT

Do not under any circumstances mix your/any personal bank accounts with your LLC’s business bank accounts. This is a big mistake that dramatically increases risk across the board for everyone involved. Your brand’s financials should be completely separate.

Instead, shop around at local/national banks or credit unions, find the one with the most to offer and set up a unique business account you can then sync with your savvy accounting software.

STEP 6) DRAFT AN OPERATING AGREEMENT

While not required by law, an operating agreement is a document that outlines the internal operations of a business. Once signed by you and your team, it adds a layer of protection for everyone involved as well as the company’s LLC status.

OPTIONAL) CREATE A GENUINE BUSINESS PLAN

All companies have plans, but relatively few have professional plans. What’s the difference? Well, for starters, when it comes time for outside funding in any conventional sense this plan will be required. No bank, venture capitalist, crowdfunding community, or potential partner will take the company seriously without it.

These plans nail down and present all important aspects including the Executive Summary, Marketing, Financials, Management, and so on in a streamlined and presentation/funding-ready formal. To learn more check out our resources below.

Our free email-based Business Plan Course is specially designed to take you smoothly through the process step-by-step.

OPTIONAL) BUILD AN INITIAL BUSINESS WEBSITE

Along with planning, no business can be taken seriously these days without a website. They build credibility, open countless marketing avenues, connect to social (selling/brand expansion) platforms, and give people a convenient way to engage with your brand and investigate it.

Although building a website was extremely difficult to do in the early 2000’s, nowadays you can use a fantastic tool like WordPress to build a customizable website. No need to spend thousands on a custom designer anymore! To see what we mean check into this free WordPress Tutorial.

Need Help Forming Your LLC?

Have a reliable LLC filing service like IncFile or LegalZoom do the work for you. Just answer a few questions about your business and they’ll take care of the paperwork.

Although both offer virtually the same service, IncFile is $100 less and our top pick. Enjoy!

Note that this article on how to form an LLC in Arizona isn’t a legal document or legal advice. It’s for informational purposes and the information above is subject to change. For specific legal questions regarding how to form an LLC in Arizona or business in general, please consult with a lawyer or other accredited professional.

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